Republic Day in Italy (Festa della Repubblica)

Date: June 2nd annually

History: Republic Day in Italy commemorates the day in 1946 when Italians voted in a referendum to abolish the monarchy and form a republic. Following World War II and the fall of Fascism, the Italian people were given a choice between preserving the monarchy and establishing a republic. The majority voted for a republic, which led to the creation of the modern Italian state.

Traditions:

• Military Parade: The main celebration is a grand military parade held in Rome, presided over by the President of the Republic. The parade showcases Italy's military forces and honors its history and cultural heritage.
• Wreath-Laying Ceremony: There is also a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) by the President, honoring Italy's Unknown Soldier.
• Frecce Tricolori Flyover: The Italian Air Force aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori, performs an aerial display painting the sky with smoke in the colors of the Italian flag: green, white, and red.
• Open Institutions: Public buildings and institutions that are usually closed to visitors are open on Republic Day. This includes palaces, government buildings, and cultural sites.

What People Do:

• Many Italians attend local parades or watch the main parade on television.
• It is a public holiday; schools and most businesses are closed allowing families to spend time together.
• In some cities, there are concerts or special events celebrating Italian culture.
• It is also common for citizens to display national flags from their homes as an act of patriotism.

Republic Day is both a celebration of Italy's rich historical tapestry and an observance of democratic values that define contemporary Italian identity.